Meb Keflezighi has won the Men’s New York Marathon which was run this Sunday, 1st of November 2009. At a time when the Marathon circuit is completely dominated by African athletes, Meb’s victory has come as a pleasant news for the host nation whose Alberto Salazar won the New York Marathon way back in 1982. Alberto Salazar won 3 straight New York Marathons in 1980, 1981 and 1982.

This was the first major Marathon title for the 34 year old American athlete who won the silver medal in Olympics 2004. He was close to winning the Marathon title in 2004 and 2005 when he stood 2nd and 3rd.

Keflezighi, who was born in the East African Nation of Eritrea received US Citizenship in 1998. 2 years ago, Meb suffered severe dehydration which threatened of ending his athletics career. However, he recovered with time and got back to training hard again and finally brought glory to his country by winning this Sunday.

The Women’s New York Marathon was won by Derartu Tulu of Ethiopia followed by Russia’s 41 year old Ludmila Petrova who stood 2nd.

In the Wheeler Races, 3-time defending champion Kurt Fearnley of Australia won the race for the 4th time. Edith Hunkeler of Switzerland won her fifth title in the Women’s Wheeler Race.